My Protector

Preperation

He couldn't possibly know. It just doesn't make sense..

Ugh stupid guy. Ever since he walked through that door, all the shit he said to me has been running through my mind again and again, haunting my thoughts. That was two hours ago, so you can only imagine how badly I want to bang my head against the wall and curse that man again and again.

"Pay attention Av, that customer has been waiting at the cash for 10 minutes now." Jason said as he looked at me with an expression torn between disappointment and irritation on his face. I quickly apologized and made my way to the teenage girl to check her out. I couldn't risk Jason getting pissed at me and making me stay late because of my lack of hard work all because of this stranger that walked in and some how knew about my life.

"Sorry for the wait." I apologized as I bagged the CD without looking up at the girl. I dropped the changed into the palm of her manicured hand before I heard her clear her throat obnoxiously, making my eyes snap up to her.

Of course it's her. Of course.

"You know I hate waiting Avie" She said as she batted her long eyelashes.

Ladies and gentleman, meet Riley Bennet, my.. well.. ex-bestfriend.

"Don't call me that." I spat at her bitterly.

"Whoa now, wouldn't want me too call your boss and tell him about your horrible social skills now would we?" She said with a sweet little smile. How did I not fucking notice it was her? I could've sent Jason to take care of her or something, anything to avoid this damn encounter.

"Jason wouldn't care." I said right back.

"Why? Are you doing him too?"

Ah.. there it is. You see friend, Riley here hates my guts. About 2 years ago, we went to a party with her older boyfriend. While Riley was in the bathroom, her boyfriend had asked me if I wanted a tour of his house, which really only consisted of a trip to his bedroom. Being the innocent and gullible person I was then, I agreed politely. Let's just say that Riley walked in on the ass trying to feel me up against my will. That's not what Riley thought though, she thought I 'asked' for it. No matter my protests, she wouldn't believe me, and she made it her life mission to ruin me and make my life a living hell by spreading her stupid rumours about me.

"Still on that Riles?" I taunted with a tilt of my head. I've learned to stop trying to deny it, and instead now I taunt her about it.

Her blue eyes narrowed before she flipped her blonde hair back with a flick of her wrist. I'm not even going to lie, Riley is absolutely stunning. She was the so called 'it' girl at school. All the guys wanted her, and all the girls wanted to be her.

"At least I don't make a living whoring around with pedos and selling drugs you parentless slut."

Ouch. That was low. She knows my parents are a touchy subject.

"You know what I think Riley, I think you don't know shit about me, so you have no right to assume. Oh and I also think we both know I'm still a virgin, little miss 'I lost my virginity at 14'."

I smirked at her knowingly and mentally patted myself on the back at her stricken expression. She quickly recovered though and gave me a hateful glare before stomping out of the shop in her heeled boots.

I gave a sigh and slumped in the small stool behind the counter. Seriously, this day has been absolute shit, and if this job I have tonight doesn't work out, then I may just commit suicide and end all of this.

"When're you going to leave?" Jason asked from the other side of the desk. I glanced at the clock on the wall and gave him a small smile.

"In a half hour if you don't mind."

He gave a small nod before crossing his arms across his chest.

"Are you sure you're leaving to finish homework?"

What the actual hell. Jason never questions me. What is going on today.. seriously.

"Yes, of course. I have a history essay due tomorrow." As soon as it leaves my mouth, I realize my mistake, and so does he.

"You don't have history on Fridays." He was full on suspicious now.

"Avalon, don't lie to me. You know I hate that." He said firmly. God damn it. Seriously. First Mr. Anderson, then the stranger that knew crap, then Riley, now this? I just can't catch a break today.

"You wouldn't want to know Jason." I answered truthfully. His eyes narrowed as he leaned across the table with a somewhat worried expression.

"Is it dangerous?"

I bit my lip in consideration. Truthfully, I didn't know. I've never sold to this guy, but it's not like it's the first time. It can't be that much different.

"I don't think so." I tried to answer confidently. His eyebrows furrowed and he stared at me

"Don't do it Avalon."

OH FOR CRYING OUT LOUD! Him too? What is this? What the fuck is going on?

"It's a good one Jason, there's a lot of money-"

"I've never interfered with your other job, but right now, I'm telling you, don't do it." He cut me off. It's true though, he has never asked about my other job. I can't just not do it though, I've been waiting months for this job! I need this money to keep the apartment..

"I need the money."

"I'll lend it to you and you can pay it off whenever you want."

I smiled at him softly. Jason is like a brother to me.. but I can't just take that money from him. It's too much.

"I can't.. I'll never be able to pay it off." I tried to make excuses. He gave a wave of his hand and smiled.

"Then don't worry about it."

I can't just do that. I can't just not worry about it. I hate owing people money.

"Thank you Jason, but it's fine. I promise to be careful."

His smile fell and he gave a defeated sigh as he stood up straight.

"Please be careful Av." He said before going into the back room. His words reminded me of the guy from this afternoon, almost giving me a sense of deja vu. He's the second person that warns me. Could this be some sort of sign?

Who cares? You need the money. Stop being such a chicken and leave. You need to get ready.

I listened to the voice in my head and grabbed my jacket. I shouted a goodbye to Jason before leaving the shop.

Time for the preparation.

-----------------------------> Picture of Riley at the side, played by Claire Holt